Charlotte Beardsley

1949 - 2025

Charlotte Beardsley
Born: January 10, 1949
Died: September 4, 2025
Charlotte Beardsley, age 76, of Woodstock, Illinois, passed away on September 4th, 2025, surrounded by her family and friends. She was born in Woodstock on January 10, 1949 to Rueben and Amelia (Gorr) Beardsley.
Her longtime friend Dr. Bob Meyer, who she asked to help write her obituary, shared: "Char's life was one of color, resilience, and love. For over 30 years, she shared her adventures, joys, struggles, and laughter with me and those fortunate enough to have known her. Her journey was full of highs and lows, but through it all, Charlotte never lost her sense of humor. Even in difficult times, she found a way to bring laughter to those around her, often ending visits with a smile and a laugh that lifted everyone's spirits."
Charlotte lived with an openness that touched many lives. She faced challenges with courage and often described her life as a roller coaster, but she always persevered. She was proud of her sobriety and the many ways she supported others in their own recovery journeys. Alcoholics Anonymous and the Soar Center were especially important to her, and she found both strength and community through them.
She loved to go on adventures with friends, whether traveling somewhere new or enjoying the simple joys of playing cards, sitting down for a long conversation, or making a new friend wherever she went.
Family was at the center of Charlotte's heart. She loved her daughter, Melissa Kizer, and her granddaughter, Mikaela Powers, and spoke of them often. She cherished the support they gave her and the closeness they shared. Her friends were equally important to her, and she was loyal to them without hesitation. Charlotte longed for love and connection, sometimes not realizing just how deeply she was already loved by those around her.
Charlotte's life was defined not only by her struggles but also by her joy, her laughter, and her unwavering care for others. She will be remembered for her spirit, her kindness, her humor, and her ability to bring light even in the darkest of moments."
She is survived by her daughter, Melissa Kizer and her husband George "Jay" Kizer; her granddaughter, Mikaela Powers and her partner Alexandra "Allie" DeVries, her sister, Marge Knaack; brothers, Robert "Bob" Beardsley and James "Jim" Beardsley and his wife Caroline Beardsley; along with many dear friends who became like family. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Beverly; and husband, Bill.
Please join us for a memorial gathering on Tuesday, September 23, from 10 to 11 a.m., with a celebration of life service held at 11 a.m., at Grace Lutheran Church, 1300 Kishwaukee Valley Rd, Woodstock, IL 60098.
All are welcome to come together to honor her memory and share stories.
Memorials may be made to the Soar Center, Alcoholics Anonymous, or to a charity of your choice.